If you’re planning to renovate your bathroom, the decision of whether to get a bathtub or shower enclosure comes to mind. Of course, this is with the assumption that you don’t have the necessary space to accommodate both. If you do, then stop reading and get both. However, if you have a little space and you don’t have the budget to invest in both a tub and a shower, then you only have to pick one. Arriving at a decision is pretty tough since these two bath supplies share several similarities, such as:
- Both come in different styles.
- They are available in varying materials.
- The two fixtures can come with different therapeutic water flow options.
While they share similarities, they also have striking differences. You have to know these differences to help you decide on what you should get for your bathroom makeover.
The Pros and Cons of Bathtubs and Shower Enclosures
Installation
If you are working on a strict budget, then it is best to stick to tubs since they are cheaper to install. Bathtubs can set you back roughly $300 to $7,000 depending on the material and size of the tub. Shower enclosures, on the other hand, can cost as much as $500 to $11,000. Note that standard tubs and shower stalls are often cheaper, and premium ones such as walk-in showers and whirlpool tubs are more expensive to install. You also have to factor in the drain system during installation. If you live in Toronto and don’t want to spend too much on repairs, it’s best to get a reliable drain service in Toronto. Make sure they know the different drain installations appropriate for your tub or shower.
Space Requirement
Bathtubs require tons of space — they often eat up about a third of the bathroom. If, for instance, you only have about 3 square metres of space in your bathroom, you cannot install a tub in there. It’s best to go for a shower stall, which only needs a minimum of one square metre.
Accessibility
In terms of convenience and ease of use, showers are the clear winner. This choice is particularly more practical if you live with an elderly person who might have difficulty climbing in and out of a bathtub. It is also easier to install grab bars or benches to make taking a shower more comfortable.
Resale Value
If you are planning to put up your property on sale, then it might be profitable to install a tub. According to Jonathan J. Miller, a home appraiser and president of Miller Samuel, having at least one bathtub in a home is a necessity. He said, “The tub falls into the category of another commodity in a house. Sellers who have the most commodities—or amenities—win because their houses appeal to the widest audience, and you’re always trying to expand the buyer pie.” The majority of home buyers consider a bath with only a shower enclosure as a half bath. To qualify for a full bath, it must have a bathtub, according to the survey conducted by the National Association of Home Builders. It’s best to note that the real estate market remains hot, and sellers can get excellent value for money should they put their property on the market.
Conservation of Water
If you are conscious of how much water you consume every time you take a bath, it would be best to know that bathtubs use up more water. Whirlpool tubs use up about 80 to 100 gallons of water, whereas showers consume about 17 gallons of water for baths of less than eight minutes. Shorter showers mean reduced water consumption and a smaller water bill.
Ultimately, it seems that installing a shower enclosure is the better choice between the two. If you are still thinking about the potential resale value, it’s best to get a top-of-the-line luxury shower enclosure or complement it with luxurious bathroom vanities.
